Chapter 9-Prosocial Behavior
Altruistic personality
A cluster of traits that predisposes individuals to behave in a prosocial manner.
Diffusion of Responsibility
A principle suggesting that the greater the number of witnesses to an emergency the less likely victims are to recieve help. This is because each bystander assumes that someone else will do it.
Kin selection theory
A theory suggesting that a key goal for all organisms- including human beings- is getting our genes into the next generation; one way in which individuals can reach this goal by helped others who share their genes.
Prosocial behavior
Actions by individuals that help others with no immediate benefit to the helper.
Social exclusion
Conditions in which individuals feel that they have been excluded from some social group.
Empathy
Emotional reactions that are focuses on or oriented toward other people and include feelings of compassion, sympathy, and concern.
Generativity
Refers to an adult's interest and commitment to the well-being of future generations.
Moral Integrity
Refers to the extent which individuals care about considerations of goodness and fairness when they act; moral integrity frequently involves accepting some sacrifice of self-interest to do "the right thing".
Pluralistic Ignorance
Refers to the fact that because none of the bystanders respond to an emergency; no one knows for sure what is happening and each depends on the others to interpret the situation.
Negative state-relief model
The proposal that prosocial behavior is motivated by the bystander's desire to reduce his or her own uncomfortable negative emotions or feelings.
Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis
The suggestion that some prosocial acts are motivated solely by the desire to help someone in need
Empathic Joy Hypothesis
The view is that helpers respond to the needs of a victim because they want to accomplish something, and doing so is rewarding in and of itself.
Self-interest (egoism)
The view that a large portion of human behavior is based on seeking whatever provides us with the most satisfaction; we seek rewards and try to avoid punishments.
